Embassy of the United States of America
Ankara, Turkey
The U.S. Embassy would like to remind U.S. citizens that the Revolutionary Peoples Liberation Party/Front (DHKP/C) or Devrimci Halk Kurtulus Partisi/Cephesi identifies December 19th as a significant day which they have sometimes recognized with renewed terrorist attacks. Terrorist organizations may attempt to conduct new attacks on anniversaries or other dates they deem as historically significant or symbolic. The Embassy has no recent specific information at this time about attacks against U.S. facilities being planned by the DHKP/C. Though Turkish law enforcement actions have weakened the organization, the DHKP/C has stated its intentions to commit further attacks against the United States, NATO, and Turkey.
Designated as a terrorist organization by the United States in 1997, the DHKP/C has existed since the 1970s and has networks in Turkey and across Europe. The DHKP/C claimed responsibility for a suicide bomber who detonated an explosive vest at a side entrance to the Embassy, killing himself as well as an Embassy Guard and injuring several others on February 1, 2013.
Turkish National Police are expected to heighten security measures in major cities for the December 19th anniversary, given the potential for DHKP/C activity. Demonstrations against past treatment of DHKP/C personnel in jail are also being organized at a number of locations in Turkey to coincide with this date. We remind U.S. citizens to avoid demonstrations and exercise caution if within the vicinity of any protest activity. Even demonstrations intended to be peaceful can turn confrontational and escalate into violence.
We strongly recommend that U.S. citizens traveling to or residing in Turkey enroll in the Department of State’s Smart Traveler Enrollment Program(STEP). STEP enrollment gives you the latest security updates, and makes it easier for the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate to contact you in an emergency. If you don’t have Internet access, enroll directly with the nearest U.S. embassy or consulate.
Regularly monitor the State Department’s website, where you can find current Travel Warnings, Travel Alerts, and the Worldwide Caution. Read theCountry Specific Information for Turkey. For additional information, refer to the “Traveler’s Checklist” on the State Department’s website.
Contact the U.S. embassy or consulate for up-to-date information on travel restrictions. You can also call 1-888-407-4747 toll-free in the United States and Canada or 1-202-501-4444 from other countries. These numbers are available from 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday (except U.S. federal holidays). Follow us on Twitter and Facebook to have travel information at your fingertips.
Contact information for the U.S. Embassy and Consulates in Turkey:
The U.S. Embassy in Ankara is located at 110 Ataturk Boulevard, tel: (90)(312) 455-5555, fax (90)(312) 468-6131.
The U.S. Consulate General in Istanbul is located at 2 Uçsehitler Sokagi, 34460, Istinye, Sariyer, tel: (90) (212) 335-9000, fax (90) (212) 335-9102.
The U.S. Consulate in Adana is located at 212 Girne Bulvari, Guzelevler Mahallesi, Yuregir, Adana, Turkey. tel: (90)(322) 346-6262, fax (90)(322) 346-7916.
The Consular Agency in Izmir can be reached by emailing izmir@state.gov.
